Mike Thomson 
What is the hosts file and how to use it, The hosts file is a simple text file that maps domain names to IP addresses. It is used by the operating system to resolve domain names to IP addresses before consulting a DNS server. This can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as blocking websites, redirecting traffic to different websites, or bypassing DNS censorship.
How to use the hosts file
The hosts file is located in a different location on different operating systems:
- Windows:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts - macOS:
/private/etc/hosts - Linux:
/etc/hosts
To edit the hosts file, you will need to use a text editor such as Notepad or TextEdit. Open the hosts file and add your desired entries. Each entry should consist of two lines, with the IP address on the first line and the domain name on the second line. For example, to block the website google.com, you would add the following entry to the hosts file:
Once you have added your desired entries to the hosts file, save the file and close the text editor. Your changes will take effect immediately.
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Examples of how to use the hosts file
Here are some examples of how to use the hosts file:
- Block websites:You can use the hosts file to block websites that you do not want to be able to access. For example, to block the website
facebook.com, you would add the following entry to the hosts file:
- Redirect traffic to different websites:You can use the hosts file to redirect traffic from one website to another. For example, to redirect traffic from
example.comtogoogle.com, you would add the following entry to the hosts file:
- Bypass DNS censorship:If you live in a country where certain websites are censored, you can use the hosts file to bypass the censorship. To do this, add entries to the hosts file for the websites that you want to be able to access. For example, to bypass the censorship of
google.comin China, you would add the following entry to the hosts file:
Important safety information
The hosts file can be a powerful tool, but it is important to use it carefully. If you are not careful, you could accidentally block important websites or redirect traffic to malicious websites.
Here are some important safety tips for using the hosts file:
- Only add entries to the hosts file for websites that you trust.
- Back up the hosts file before you make any changes.
- Be careful not to delete any existing entries in the hosts file.
- If you are unsure about how to use the hosts file, consult a qualified computer technician.
Conclusion
The hosts file is a simple but powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is important to use the hosts file carefully, but it can be a valuable addition to your computer’s security and privacy toolkit.
